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‘Tis the Season: Key West Pinks

Florida shrimp season is here! From November to June, locals and tourists are privy to some of the tastiest shrimp in the country, known on the island as “pinks.” These delicious decapods get their color from feeding on our pink coral sands.

Shrimp is the most consumed seafood in the US and Key West pinks make up 85 percent of the country’s shrimp harvest. Valued for its sweetness and size, it’s also wild, which is becoming a rarity because of competing overseas markets offering farm-raised varieties.

Support your local fisheries! Enjoy pink gold for the better part of the year, whether you like it stuffed, topped with coconut or served in alfredo sauce. We think the best way to enjoy the flavor of a local pink is peel-and-eat style, served chilled.

Eaton Street Seafood Market

Eaton Street pays special attention to selling local. Here you’ll find Key West pinks, which you can order pre-steamed from the counter or prepared from the menu. Grilled, blackened, fried, shrimp salad or shrimp tacos are just some of your options. Eaton Street is a seafood market, but there is limited streetside seating out front.

The Stoned Crab

Shrimp and grits? The Stoned Crab has your local pinks served southern style. Create your own shrimp masterpiece with the local pinks, making your perfect ravioli, penne, or rice dish. Or, enjoy pinks in all their peel-and-eat splendor.

Blue Heaven

Pink shrimp aren’t limited to dinner menus. Try pink shrimp egg benedict, or a pink omelette at this popular restaurant in Bahama Village.

Half Shell Raw Bar

Peel and eat the island’s favorite decapod at the Half Shell Raw Bar. Originally built as a shrimp warehouse, this eatery on the Key West Bight also offers local fare from its seafood market – so you know it’s fresh. Visit for happy hour from 4:30-6:30 pm for a great deal on peel-and-eat shrimp and drinks.